When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been. 
Revelation 6:9-11

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“Stop peeing on the rug!” Somewhere a frisky, miniature poodle, in her own time, obeys with a final squirt. That’s a common retaliation. Animals sometimes resent our decisions or actions and take revenge. The holding of a grudge and seeking revenge seems inbred among all animals, including humans and it appears in many stories in the Bible—just read through much of the Old Testament.

But God’s instructions on seeking revenge and holding grudges are clear. “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35). Paul in his epistle to the Romans, says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans  12:19).

In today’s verses, the souls of martyrs call out, asking how long they have to wait until the judgment day when their deaths will be avenged. Their words, “Avenge our blood,” sent my head spinning. How unbiblical, I thought on my first read of Revelation 6:9-11. As I thought about their calling out in light of God’s promise “to repay,” I was reminded of the difference between vengeance and justice—revenge desires to hurt, while justice desires to right the wrong.   

If we have suffered directly due to wars, genocides, forced emigrations, military crimes, unfair, inhumane government decisions, and/or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, having the desire  for revenge is human nature. However we are instructed to leave it in God’s hands and timing—admittedly not an easy thing to do. But something to move towards.

So in our dealings with our dogs (or cats), let’s give them a break—a sort of practice to prepare our hearts for times we may be seriously wronged by others.

Next Steps

Take a few moments to reflect on your own heart. Are there instances in which, if you’re honest, you’re more interested in revenge than justice? Pray through these thoughts with God and when you feel the need to get revenge or to hold a grudge, consider our clear instructions to love our neighbors and our enemies (Matthew 5:43).